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  • Y Summer Camp Turns Into a Lifetime Together

    Y Summer Camp Turns Into a Lifetime Together
    2026/03/25
    Every now and then, we get to share a story that just makes you smile from the very beginning. And this is one of those. Back in the summer of 1989, at YMCA Camp High Harbour, two teenagers met on the shores of Lake Burton. Think mix tapes, handwritten notes in camp mailboxes, long days on the dock, and campfire songs under the North Georgia sky. They spent that summer leading, laughing, and becoming friends in the way only camp can create. Then life took over. They went their separate ways. College. Careers. Marriage. Children. Health challenges: big milestones and hard seasons. Nearly thirty years passed. And then… a dating app. In this episode, Molly and Baxter share how a YMCA summer camp connection turned into a second chance at love years later. What they discovered when they reconnected was that the trust and friendship they built as teenagers at the Y had never really disappeared. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How summer camp friendships forged through YMCA Camp High Harbor in the late 1980s can quietly lay the groundwork for a second chance at connection decades later, proving that genuine community connection never truly fades. ✅ How one woman's courageous IVF journey and decision to become a single mother by choice reflect the kind of intentional parenting, faith and relationships that can redefine what family looks like on your own terms. ✅ How a cancer survivor, walking through leukemia twice, discovered that life's hardest seasons can sharpen your priorities and open unexpected doors to a second marriage and deep, lasting connection. ✅ How a dating app reconnection through Bumble brought two people with rich, complicated histories together, showing that long-lost love and blended family life can flourish beautifully when the timing is finally right. Join the Y Connect Podcast to discover inspiring stories of transformation and wellness. Tune in for practical tips and community-driven insights on fitness transformation. Subscribe now to elevate your fitness journey! TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 The origin story of YMCA Camp High Harbor and how two teens met on the shores of Lake Burton in 198903:23 Molly describes her experience as a camp counselor and summer camp friendship during her summers at Camp High Harbor04:40 Baxter reflects on his summers at camp, the mentorship that shaped his path toward faith and relationships09:01 Molly shares her journey through teaching, dating, and her bold decision to pursue an IVF journey as a single mother by choice13:42 Baxter opens up about surviving leukemia twice as a cancer survivor and how illness reshaped his outlook on family and love16:12 Molly discusses going through her life with two children before her marriage to Baxter20:20 The magic moment: a Bumble dating app swipe leads to a dating app reconnection that reignites their long-lost love28:35 Molly and Baxter describe the intentional steps taken to build a thriving blended family rooted in intentional parenting and faith33:20 Reflections on Camp High Harbor KEY TAKEAWAYS: 💎 The second-chance love story of Molly and Baxter Crane proves that childhood friendships built inside a community connection like the YMCA carry a quiet, lasting power that no amount of time can erase. 💎 Baxter's experience as a two-time leukemia survivor and cancer survivor reshaped his understanding of what truly matters, ultimately clearing the path toward a stronger, more intentional second marriage. 💎 Molly's journey as a single mother by choice, achieved through a successful IVF, is a powerful reminder that faith and relationships can carry you forward even when the traditional path closes. 💎 Blending four children into one family required deliberate choices rooted in love. Baxter's decision never to use the word "stepchild" reflects the heart of intentional parenting and the beauty of a united blended family. ABOUT THE GUESTS: Molly was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. She attended Marist School before continuing her education at the University of Georgia, where she studied Elementary Education. She completed her undergraduate degree at Brenau University and began her teaching career in 1996. Molly spent 10 years teaching third grade at Mount Vernon School in Atlanta before transitioning into school administration. Over 27 years at Mount Vernon, she served in a variety of leadership roles, concluding her tenure as Director of Community Events. In May 2025, Molly accepted the role of Administrative Director at Camp Greystone in Zirconia, North Carolina. She first fell in love with the camp when her daughters attended as campers, and it quickly became a place close to her heart. In August 2025, she and her family relocated to Greenville, South Carolina, to begin this exciting new chapter. Baxter is a fifth-generation native of Athens, Georgia, where he was born and raised. He attended Clarke Central High School before enrolling at the University of Georgia and later completing...
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    41 分
  • You Belong Here

    You Belong Here
    2026/03/11
    Today we're talking about something that sits at the heart of our new Strategic Plan's PEOPLE goal: building community within the YMCA. We're joined by three leaders who live this work every day: Timika Tucker from the Robert D. Fowler Y, Keeley Chester from the Forsyth County Family Y, and Shirene Sethi from the Carl E. Sanders at Buckhead Family Y. Each of them leads the membership experience at their YMCA. They're the people thinking deeply about what it feels like when someone walks through our doors for the first time, when a member is struggling, when a family is trying to find connection. They're shaping culture in real time. Today, we'll explore what welcoming really means, what they're learning from the people they serve, and how their work is strengthening belonging across our association. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How small, intentional moments of community building drive powerful member engagement and long-term member retention strategies inside YMCA branches. ✅ Why first impressions in fitness matter deeply and how the first five minutes of a visit shape a member's entire sense of belonging at the Y. ✅ How frontline staff training and a service-first leadership mindset directly strengthen welcoming culture and create safer, more connected spaces for every member. ✅ How group exercises community programs like Parkinson's fitness classes transform not just individual health outcomes but entire family wellness journeys. Join the Y Connect Podcast to discover inspiring stories of transformation and wellness. Tune in for practical tips and community-driven insights on fitness transformation. Subscribe now to elevate your fitness journey! TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Hear how community building shapes every branch visit and a conversation about the YMCA strategic plan people goal 03:47 Timika shares her personal journey and how belonging at the Y became her professional calling 05:33 Shirene describes how a fitness community culture and a running club transformed her from a member to a leader 07:12 Keely explains how the words welcoming and belonging guided her into the YMCA membership experience and leadership 09:30 Keely unpacks what community building looks like on a Tuesday afternoon through small, intentional member engagement moments 11:14 How powerful first impressions are made 16:24 All three directors share real member stories revealing the true meaning of safe spaces for families and wellness coaching 23:49 Leaders discuss staff empowerment, team camaraderie, and building a culture where every team member feels they belong 30:10 The leaders share what they would want a listener to know about why the Y is specia KEY TAKEAWAYS: 💎 Body language in customer service is not a soft skill. It is a strategic tool. Your eyes, posture, and tone directly communicate whether someone feels seen, valued, and welcomed the moment they walk through the door. 💎 A genuine welcoming culture is never the responsibility of one singular department. From wellness coaching to the play center, every team member at every touchpoint either strengthens or weakens a member's sense of belonging at the Y. 💎 Active older adults and individuals managing serious health diagnoses are among the most powerful examples of why inclusive, program-driven group exercise community spaces matter beyond fitness. 💎 Team camaraderie built through creative internal engagement, like Thrilling Thursdays, directly fuels the energy staff brings to members, proving that a thriving team culture and strong member retention strategies are deeply connected. ABOUT THE GUESTS: Shirene moved to Atlanta from New Delhi, India. She brings over 18 years of experience as a Team Leader, Communication Skills Trainer, and Event Organizer. Outside of work, she enjoys running, singing, and acting. Shirene Sethi began her YMCA journey as a Wellness Coach at the Buckhead YMCA. Her love for group exercise and passion for organizing programs and events led her to the Group Exercise Coordinator role. Last year, she was promoted to Member Experience Director, where she continues to do what she loves most — creating meaningful experiences, planning community events, and working closely with members to strengthen connection and belonging at the Y. Timika Tucker is a proud veteran and the Membership Experience Director at the Robert D. Fowler YMCA in Peachtree Corners, GA. Her professional journey and personal life are both grounded in kindness, compassion, and a deep commitment to making others feel welcomed and supported. At the Fowler YMCA, Timika leads with intention—cultivating a culture of exceptional customer service and meaningful member engagement. Her natural ability to connect with people and her dedication to fostering belonging make her leadership not just effective, but truly impactful. Timika's service‑driven approach reflects who she is at her core and continues to inspire her team and community every day. ...
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    36 分
  • A Living Legacy

    A Living Legacy
    2026/02/25
    This February, as we recognize Black History Month and its 100th anniversary, we're honored to be joined by brothers Andrew Young and Walter Young, namesakes of the Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA. Ambassador Andrew Young's life of service spans the civil rights movement, Congress, the United Nations, and the Mayor's Office here in Atlanta. Throughout it all, his leadership has been grounded in dignity, justice, and a deep belief in the power of people and community. Dr. Walter Young has led with that same spirit through healthcare, education, and civic life, showing what sustained, community-rooted service looks like over time. In this conversation, we reflect on the meaning of Black History Month, the lessons of the civil rights movement, and how places like the YMCA help carry those values forward today. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How Ambassador Andrew Young and Dr. Walter Young credit the YMCA Atlanta as a foundational space for developing community leadership and civic engagement from childhood through adulthood. ✅ How Black History Education was not a once-a-year observance for the Young brothers but a living legacy woven into church, school, and youth development programs 365 days a year. ✅ How the lessons of the Civil Rights Movement taught everyday people that service and leadership are inseparable, and why those values remain urgent during Black History Month's 100th Anniversary. ✅ How early access to swimming and youth programs through the YMCA and historically Black colleges shaped generations of leaders who went on to transform Atlanta history and beyond. Join the Y Connect Podcast to discover inspiring stories of transformation and wellness. Tune in for practical tips and community-driven insights on fitness transformation. Subscribe now to elevate your fitness journey! TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction: Meet Ambassador Andrew Young and Dr. Walter Young for a Black History Month conversation on Civil Rights Legacy 02:03 Andrew Young shares how the story of the Amistad and Historically Black Colleges shaped his understanding of Black History Education 07:12 Walter Young reflects on growing up in New Orleans, where Black History Education and community leadership were part of everyday life 11:21 Ambassador Andrew Young discusses what connects every chapter of his life, including Congress, the United Nations, and YMCA Atlanta 12:47 The Young brothers share early YMCA youth development memories, including forming their own junior club and the role of civic engagement in their upbringing 17:14 Andrew Young explains how growing up in a mixed New Orleans neighborhood taught him the strategy of using his mind over his fists, shaping his work in the Civil Rights Movement 25:28 Dr. Walter Young describes launching a mobile dental healthcare access program serving rural communities during the height of segregation and education inequality 31:53 Andrew Young recalls using swimming and youth programs and lifesaving skills learned at YMCA Atlanta 36:07 Both brothers reflect on Atlanta history, Black History Month's 100th Anniversary and why community leadership is still calling us forward 42:40 Closing reflections from Ambassador Andrew Young and Dr. Walter Young on working with all people and the enduring living legacy of the YMCA Atlanta KEY TAKEAWAYS: 💎 The YMCA Atlanta was not simply a recreation center for the Young family. It was the original after-school program, a training ground for civic engagement, and a place where boys from all backgrounds learned to lead with dignity and purpose. 💎 Ambassador Andrew Young's father instilled a philosophy of "don't get mad, get smart," a mindset rooted in discipline and strategy that carried directly into his work alongside Dr. King during the Civil Rights Movement. 💎 The Black History Month 100th Anniversary is a moment to honor progress while acknowledging what remains unfinished. Atlanta's history proves that when communities invest in education and infrastructure, transformation follows. 💎 Dr. Walter Young's career in dental healthcare access and mobile health services throughout rural Louisiana was a direct extension of the service and leadership values both brothers absorbed through family, faith, and the YMCA. ABOUT THE GUESTS: Ambassador Andrew Young is a civil rights leader, diplomat, and public servant whose life of service spans more than six decades. He worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a key strategist and negotiator during the civil rights movement and played a role in advancing the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Young went on to become the first Black congressman from Georgia since Reconstruction, later serving as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations under President Jimmy Carter, where he helped shape the nation's first Africa policy centered on human rights. From 1982 to 1990, he served two terms as Mayor of Atlanta, leading the city's transformation ...
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    45 分
  • Lauren Koontz on the Next Chapter of the Y

    Lauren Koontz on the Next Chapter of the Y
    2026/02/11
    When we launched Y Connect in November 2022, one of our very first guests was our President and CEO, Lauren Koontz. At the time, we were just beginning this storytelling journey, and the Y was navigating a world still finding its footing after the pandemic. Fast forward to today. Lauren has now served as President and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta for more than six years, leading the organization through moments of challenge, growth, and transformation. This month, the Y officially launches its new three-year strategic plan, a plan shaped by deep listening, data, and a clear belief in the Y's role as a catalyst for community wellbeing and belonging. We're thrilled to welcome Lauren back to Y Connect to reflect on her leadership journey, share her theme for the year ahead, and walk us through the vision, priorities, and heart behind the Y's 2026–2028 Strategic Plan. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How empathetic leadership reshaped the YMCA of Metro Atlanta after the pandemic ✅ Why belonging and connection are central to the Y's 2026–2028 Strategic Plan ✅ How the YMCA supports economic mobility and social capital across communities ✅ What it means for the Y to act as a catalyst for personal and community wellbeing Join the Y Connect Podcast to discover inspiring stories of transformation and wellness. Tune in for practical tips and community-driven insights on fitness transformation. Subscribe now to elevate your fitness journey! TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Welcome to Y Connect: Welcoming CEO Lauren Koontz Back 04:10 Six Years of Leadership Through Crisis, Growth, and Change 07:36 Why YMCA Team Members Are the Y's Primary Stakeholders 09:44 Leadership, Humility, and Making Space for Every Voice 13:40 Word of the Year How "Catalyst" Defines the Y's Next Chapter 16:24 What Deep Listening Revealed About Community Needs 22:38 How the YMCA Breaks Down Socioeconomic Barriers 25:57 Why Belonging Must Be Intentionally Designed 28:00 Strategic Pillars Explained People, Programs, and Places 30:32 Expanding Impact Through Community Partnerships 34:23 Loneliness, Mental Health, and the Youth Suicide Crisis 40:21 National YMCA Leadership and Collaboration 42:41 What Success Looks Like for the YMCA by 2028 KEY TAKEAWAYS: 💎The YMCA's greatest impact starts with investing in its people—staff, members, and communities 💎True belonging doesn't happen by accident; it requires intentional design and leadership 💎Cross-socioeconomic relationships are a powerful driver of economic mobility 💎The Y's future lies in being more than a place — it's a connector, convener, and catalyst ABOUT THE GUEST: Lauren Koontz serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, where she leads the organization's mission to ensure all people—especially children—have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential. With a career rooted in educational and health-focused nonprofit development, Lauren is deeply committed to positioning the Y as a thought leader and best-in-class provider of education, wellness, and youth development programs that strengthen communities across Metro Atlanta. Notably, she is the first woman to serve as President and CEO in the YMCA of Metro Atlanta's more than 160-year history. In her role, Lauren oversees the overall success of a complex, multi-site organization that includes 20 membership and program branches, 18 early learning centers, more than 40 partnership sites, two summer resident camps, and the YMCA Leadership & Learning Center, along with the staff and volunteers who bring these programs to life. She joined the YMCA of Metro Atlanta in 2012 as Chief Development Officer, was promoted to Executive Vice President in 2016, and later assumed the role of President and CEO. Prior to the Y, Lauren held leadership positions at Coxe Curry & Associates, Emory University School of Medicine, Mount Vernon School, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, where she was appointed to the organization's National Strategic Steering Committee at a young age. An active civic leader, Lauren serves on multiple boards and advisory councils and is widely recognized for her leadership, including honors from the Atlanta Business Chronicle and Atlanta Magazine. She frequently speaks on nonprofit leadership, strategy, and community impact. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta LinkedIn: YMCA Metro Atlanta
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    45 分
  • Fan Favorite: The Legacy of South Fulton Running Partners and the YMCA

    Fan Favorite: The Legacy of South Fulton Running Partners and the YMCA
    2026/01/28

    Today on (Y) Connect, we're thrilled to highlight the story of a community rooted in strength, endurance, and an unwavering commitment to health and wellness. Joining us is Monte Fowler, a veteran member of the South Fulton Running Partners—the nation's oldest Black recreation running group. For decades, this remarkable group has shared a deep connection with the Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA, fostering a space where individuals unite to run and uplift one another. Monte brings a unique perspective as someone who grew up at the Y served on the YMCA board, and has dedicated years to this running community.

    IN THIS EPISODE:

    03:42 Monte' shares how he began his journey at the Y

    06:21 Why Monte' joined the South Fulton Running Partners and its legacy

    11:05 How the Y has played a supporting role to the Partners and the community and the Y's contribution to wellness

    18:37 Why the Y is unique to community wellness

    20:24 Advice to anyone interested in joining the Running Partners and what to expect

    KEY TAKEAWAYS:

    • Running offers more than physical fitness—it fosters lifelong health, builds discipline, and creates a supportive community. By embracing running, individuals can defy age-related health declines, find mentorship, and discover the "fountain of youth" through sweat, commitment, and connection

    • The South Fulton Running Partners is a community of role models who embody service, mentorship, and giving back. Leaders like Bob Holmes and William and Lou Stanley showcase the impact of discipline and community, offering life-changing mentorship and inspiring purpose and integrity

    • The YMCA in Atlanta is more than a gym—it's a pillar of holistic community building, nurturing physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being. The running partners have exemplified this ethos for over four decades, forming a family bound by shared values. The Y teaches fitness, fosters lifelong relationships, and supports members through every stage of life. It's a place to grow, thrive, and find a true community

    RESOURCE LINKS:

    Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

    Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

    Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

    Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

    BIOGRAPHY: Monte' Fowler

    Monte' Fowler is a long-standing Y and South Fulton Running Partners member and a seasoned professional with 23+ years in product management, technology, and consulting. As a Product Manager at Cox Communications, he oversees a $300M+ product portfolio and has launched innovative tools, earning the 2021 Synergy Award and multiple PIL awards.

    Dedicated to community service, Monte' has served on boards for Cascade Elementary, Beecher Hills Elementary, the Center for Working Families, and the YMCA. He has also directed the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia's largest fundraiser.

    Monte' holds an Executive MBA from Georgia Tech, a B.S. in Industrial and Systems Engineering, and certifications in AI and Lean Six Sigma. His expertise in technology and passion for service make him an outstanding podcast guest.
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    25 分
  • What 2025 Taught Us at (Y) Connect

    What 2025 Taught Us at (Y) Connect
    2025/12/31
    Before we jump into another year of Y Connect, we wanted to pause and look back. 2025 was a meaningful year for this podcast. We sat down with members, staff, partners, and community leaders who reminded us why the YMCA matters and how deeply it shows up in people's lives. We heard stories of belonging, resilience, leadership, and impact that stayed with us long after the microphones were turned off. Today, we are reflecting on our favorite moments from this past year, the conversations that surprised us, what we learned about the YMCA that we didn't fully understand before, and what we're excited about as we begin our 4th year of Y Connect in 2026. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How YMCA community programs like the REACH program and Boys and Young Men of Color initiative transform lives through mentorship with Morehouse and Spelman students at Camp High Harbor ✅ The power of community engagement and partnership building as demonstrated through collaborations with corporations like Carter's and Gas South that prioritize employee wellness and early learning support ✅ Why nonprofit storytelling through podcasting strengthens advocacy day efforts and helps staff appreciate the breadth of youth development, adaptive swim program, and active older adults services beyond their individual roles Join the Y Connect Podcast to discover inspiring stories of transformation and wellness. Tune in for practical tips and community-driven insights on fitness transformation. Subscribe now to elevate your fitness journey! TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 The Y Connect's annual reflection episode on three years of YMCA community programs and storytelling 04:11 Robert shares Kendall Rae's story, Georgia's youngest farmer, Zarinah reflects on the Mermaids, and Allison shares Martha Haythorn's story 08:43 Discussion of Boys and Young Men of Color initiative, the REACH program at Camp High Harbor and Advocacy Day 18:14 How community engagement and belonging manifest through active older adults, running clubs, and partnership building with corporate sponsors 27:26 Looking ahead to 2026: More youth development voices, cancer survivor stories, and the Y's new strategic planning initiatives KEY TAKEAWAYS: 💎 Personal connections drive lasting impact at the YMCA—from Jim Snotty's 100+ pound weight loss journey, to the Northwest Y mermaids' decades-long friendships that demonstrate how YMCA community programs create genuine belonging beyond fitness goals 💎 Advocacy day transforms staff perspective by showing how individual programs work and connect to broader systemic change—Robert's experience moving from serving one population to advocating for financial support across multiple community engagement initiatives revealed the power of a unified voice in nonprofit storytelling 💎 Corporate partnership building works best when companies prioritize internal employees first—Carly Stevens from Gas South emphasized ensuring workers have access to resources before expanding external community programs, a philosophy that strengthens authentic health and wellness impact RESOURCES MENTIONED: Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta LinkedIn: YMCA Metro Atlanta Ep. 59 - Kendall Rae Johnson: Georgia's Youngest Farmer Ep. 62 - Martha Haythorn Is Redefining Advocacy and Community ENCORE: Diving in with the Mermaids at the Y Ep. 56 - Empowering Boys and Young Men of Color: The Y and Morehouse College Partnership Ep. 40 - Summer at YMCA Camp High Harbour Ep. 53 - The Legacy of South Fulton Running Partners and the YMCA Ep. 73 - Fueling the Y's Impact: When Companies Listen to What Communities Need
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    38 分
  • The Heart of Head Start: How the Y Supports Children & Families Every Day

    The Heart of Head Start: How the Y Supports Children & Families Every Day
    2025/12/17
    The YMCA's Head Start programs provide comprehensive support that transforms entire families, not just children. In this powerful episode of Y Connect, hosts Zarinah, Robert, and Allison speak with early childhood education leaders LaShaundra McDonald and Shamyra Thompson about the life-changing work happening at YMCA early learning centers. Both directors share their personal journeys from being Head Start parents to becoming passionate advocates for family support services. They discuss how comprehensive child development goes beyond academics to include mental health support, workforce development, and addressing food insecurity. Learn how meaningful family support creates opportunities that change entire family trajectories through parent engagement, fatherhood initiatives, and collaborative community partnership programs. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How Head Start programs provide comprehensive child development that addresses academic, social, emotional, and physical needs while supporting entire families through resource connections and workforce development opportunities. ✅ Why parent engagement and family support services are critical components of effective early childhood education, including how family service associates build trusting relationships and connect families with housing, food, and mental health support resources. ✅ How personal experiences as Head Start parents shaped LaShaundra McDonald and Shamyra Thompson's leadership approaches, enabling them to create welcoming early learning centers where families feel safe, seen, and supported through initiatives like the fatherhood initiative. Join the Y Connect Podcast to discover inspiring stories of transformation and wellness. Tune in for practical tips and community-driven insights on fitness transformation. Subscribe now to elevate your fitness journey! TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Head Start programs and their impact on early childhood education, and LaShaundra shares how volunteering led her to discover her passion for working with children 05:53 Shamyra explains how the Head Start program helped her complete her GED and build a career in early learning centers 10:04 Description of a high-quality classroom, including age-appropriate materials and open-ended questions 13:05 Discussion of meaningful family support beyond academics, including workforce development, rental assistance, food resources, and mental health support for children 15:48 The fatherhood initiative, including daddy daycare events, classroom activities and parent engagement opportunities 21:55 Head Start programs work when communities partner together to provide comprehensive child development for entire families KEY TAKEAWAYS: 💎 Head Start programs deliver comprehensive child development while simultaneously supporting parents through family support services, resource connections, and workforce development opportunities that transform entire family trajectories. 💎 Early childhood education requires strong parent engagement and family service associates who build trusting relationships with families, understand their unique challenges, and proactively connect them with resources for housing, food insecurity, mental health support, and employment. 💎 Leaders like LaShaundra McDonald and Shamyra Thompson demonstrate how personal experience as Head Start parents enriches their leadership in early learning centers. ABOUT THE GUEST: LaShaundra McDonald is the Center Director at the Dean Rusk YMCA Head Start Academy with over 23 years of experience in the Early Learning field. LaShaundra has a Master's in both Human Services and Early Childhood Education. It is her goal to ensure that each child is provided a high-quality education in a safe and respectful environment that acknowledges and respects the diversity of each family, culture, and socio-economic background, while continuing to foster a foundation for life-long learning. Shamyra Thompson serves as the Center Director/FSA for the YMCA Barrow County Early Learning Center. With 19 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, Mrs. Thompson holds a TCC, Diploma, and Associate's degree in Early Care and Education, as well as a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. She has also earned her 40-hour Director's Training Credential. Head Start has been a defining part of her professional journey—both as a former Head Start parent and now as an experienced Head Start educator. Her educational philosophy centers on creating a positive, developmentally enriching learning environment that builds a strong foundation for lifelong learning. She firmly believes that every child deserves access to high-quality education and exceptional care during their early years. Mrs. Thompson is honored to serve in her current role and is committed to continued growth and leadership within the Head Start program. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta ...
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    25 分